The Lenten season of reflection and penance brings about changes in the visual elements and rituals in our Sunday worship, inviting you to journey inward and deepen your spiritual connection. These alterations include a departure from the usual ornate decorations and ceremonial objects, replaced instead by ones that evoke simplicity and contemplation.

First, you will notice the absence of flowers at the altar. Throughout Lent, you will see a wonderfully crafted, but minimalist arrangement of cacti, sticks, and dried roots. This serves as a subtle yet poignant reminder of the forty days Jesus spent in solitude and temptation. Let these "desert" arrangements invite you to enter into a period of introspection and spiritual preparation, as you consider Christ's own journey through the wilderness.

The liturgical vessels used during the service will also change. The chalice, paten, and other communion pieces will be replaced with rich, but simple, hand-thrown pottery. These vessels are meant to embody the earthiness and imperfection inherent in the Lenten season.

Another notable change is the covering of the cross in purple, the traditional color of Lent. This act of veiling serves as a visual cue of the solemnity and introspection of the season. When you look at the veiled cross, contemplate the sacrifice and suffering of Jesus.

These visual changes invite you to engage more deeply with the profound themes of Lent – repentance, sacrifice, and spiritual transformation. By stripping away the excess and focusing on the essentials, you are invited to draw closer to Jesus and prepare yourself for the celebration of Easter and the promise of redemption it brings.

Thank you to the Sanctuary Guild for so thoughtfully preparing us for the Lenten Season.

 ~Nancy Purcell, Director of Marketing and Communications

Tim Tuller, Canon for Music, gives notes on the service music for the First Sunday in Lent, February 18.

DEAN'S FORUM

Embracing Reconciliation: A Lenten Journey of Healing and Renewal

Begins Sunday, February 18 at 9 a.m.

As the season of Lent unfolds, Christians around the world embark on a sacred journey of reflection, repentance, and reconciliation. This period of 40 days, mirroring the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, offers a unique opportunity for believers to focus on the theme of reconciliation—a powerful and transformative aspect of the Lenten experience. Join us each Sunday in Lent as we explore the theme of Reconciliation.

February 18 - The Sacrament of Confession     Led by Dean Kate

Why is it necessary for followers of Jesus to confess their sins? What is the history of the sacrament of confession and what does it look like today in the Episcopal Church? Join Dean Kate to discuss the rich history and meaning which informs the sacrament of confession and the transforming power of God’s forgiveness.

February 25 - The Psychology of Reconciliation   Led by Paige Hakimian

Join PhD candidate Paige Hakimian as she talks about how reconciliation benefits psychological health and increases wellness.

March 3 - Racial Reconciliation       Led by Joe O’Shields and Paul Arrington

How do we come to terms with our history? How do we reconcile wrongs of the past? The history of slavery and ongoing racial oppression runs far deeper into the very systems in which we inhabit. How does reconciliation occur today?

March 10 - Environmental Reconciliation 

Led by Ellen and Phil Peterson and St. John’s Cathedral Bookstore and Gift Shop

Considering humanity's role as stewards of creation, individuals are prompted to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to the healing of the Earth as an integral part of their Lenten journey. Come hear some practical ways you can live in a reconciled relationship with the earth today.

March 17 - Reflecting on Brokenness: Using Art to Forgive     

Led by the Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera

How can art heal? How can art be a vehicle to help us learn to forgive? Join the Rev. Dr. Linda Privatera as she explores how art can be instrumental in the process of reconciliation.

The Lenten Art Exhibition in Taliaferro Hall highlights the sculpture of Christine Bailey alongside beautiful icons, each depicting one of the fourteen Stations of the Cross. (The photo depicts the Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem).

With the help of archivist Nina Searcy, the Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera, our art animator, was able to identify the sculptor of the stations that we set out during Lent and give a brief history. You can read about Christine Bailey when you visit the exhibition. You are invited to walk the stations whenever the church is open. Guided walks of the Stations of the Cross will be offered during Holy Week.

Many thanks to our Arts Guild team, including Heather Lawson, Beth Erwin, Nancy Purcell, Pam Searcy, and Patrick Kimball for their work on this exhibition.

Palanca Prayers Requested for St. John's Cursillo Pilgrims

Marc Willis is attending the Cursillo Men's Weekend February 29 through March 3.

Felicia Bullock is attending the Women's Weekend March 7 through March 10

The word “palanca” is Spanish for a lever or crowbar. In the sense in which it is used in Cursillo, it means Eucharist, Rosaries, fasting, prayers, and personal sacrifices which are offered on behalf of the Cursillistas or Pilgrims. You are invited to write "palanca" prayers for Marc and Felecia and drop your prayer in the Palanca box that is under the table in the hallway across from the elevator. These prayers can express gratitude for the gifts of service, prayer, concern, and care shown by the recipient, reassure them of a power greater than themselves, or offer insights, words of wisdom, encouragement, and guidance. Place your prayers for each Marc and Felicia in the box prior to and during their retreat weekend. Thank you!

During the next month, everyone across the country is invited to perform daily acts of selflessness and journal those moments. Join us as we put unselfish love front and center for the world to see! Download the "Month of Unselfish Love" Journal below:

Welcome to our new vergers: Marianne Murray and Robert Bailey were installed on Sunday, February 11, during the 10 a.m. worship service.

Heartfelt thanks to the Brotherhood of St. Andrew for sponsoring a fantastic Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner!

Let's pray for all the clergy gathering today and tomorrow at Camp Weed for the Annual Spring Retreat.

Connect with us!